Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antiviral and antidiabetic drugs. Its structure supports the formation of glycosidic mimetics, making it valuable in designing enzyme inhibitors. Commonly employed in medicinal chemistry for modifying drug candidates to improve solubility, metabolic stability, and bioavailability. Also utilized in the preparation of prodrugs and in structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies due to its favorable stereochemistry and functional group positioning.